When you read The Hobbit, did you notice that Bilbo and Thorin wanted the same thing? If you didn’t, take heart, because I didn’t either, and this is something that a superb author like Tolkien can slip in without the reader noticing consciously. But the subconscious feels it—that’s one reason a book becomes a masterwork, and we come back to it again and again. 

Bilbo and Thorin both longed for home. Bilbo was very comfortable in his at the beginning of the novel, and Thorin was homeless—his having been stolen from him by Smaug. And I think that is the thing that pushed Bilbo to go with them. He felt sorry for these wandering dwarves, and felt some kind of pull to give them the chance at having what he had taken for granted—until it was invaded. There is a parallel at work here too, you will notice!

Bilbo’s sudden urge to go on an adventure was prompted by something much deeper than mere excitement—though he used that as his excuse. It was defence of this concept of ‘home’ that drove him, which was part of Tolkien’s point in telling the story. Far more than a fantastical romp through the Middle Earth countryside, he wanted to communicate to the children in his life that some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth getting uncomfortable to protect.

This generous sentiment is ultimately what made Bilbo a hero, and conversely, the lack of it turned Thorin into a villain. When he regained his home, Thorin refused to share it, whereas Bilbo had been a gracious host to him and the dwarves—particularly considering the circumstances! He emptied his precious pantry for the them, but Thorin wouldn’t share a coin with the people of Lake Town—even though he only had Erebor back because Bard had slain Smaug. Lake Town was decimated, the people in dire need of shelter with winter closing in, but Thorin couldn’t bring himself to care about ‘home’ for anyone other than himself.

Ultimately, Tolkien took Thorin’s home from him and gave Bilbo back his—just as it was being plundered by the Sackville-Bagginses. See the parallel?

It’s a brilliant work, so much more than a children’s book—like all the best children’s books are. When next you give The Hobbit a read (or rewatch the films, though I must admit to some disappointment on that front) have a look for this thread, and how Thorin and Bilbo shine a light on each other’s characters. Bonus points for thinking about how all the secondary characters interact with this concept of ‘home’ too.

Have I incorporated parallels like this in our books? Yes, indeed, I have. Astariel and her father share many parallels, and there are parallel events too. In Son of Osivirius, each of the three main characters operate out of fear and a sense that 'there's not enough', but in very different ways. I hope you enjoy finding them when the books come out!

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